Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-11-17

as myself, anu nOpeu 10 ulo III Tie
house in which he died. Well barely
have roof over us at Myron Cottage.
but at least it will be our own We
didn't think much of it when your aunt
left it to you, and now it's our last
refuge"
cit will outlast our time, James,"
she said, sadly. There's no one to
come after us, unless David comes
home"
Mr.. Forrest shook his head. He had
long ceased TO combat what he said
was his wife's monomania about the re-
turn of his son. She always insisted
that in the family devotions he should
be prayed for as still living, and with
cruel pang the father uttered the name
of the boy he believed dead.
1T will be our last Thanksgiving din
ner on the old place." he said. the day
before Thanksgiving. "a lonely one,
indeed. wonder if in all the world
there is couple as lonely and desolate
as we are?"
She did not speak. but slipped her
hand in his. He pressed it warmly. the
faithful hand which had never wearied
in its tender care of him, and there the
old couple sat, silent and thoughtful.
They did not need to speak. Each
knew of what the other was thinking.
The mother said in her heart: Dear
Lord. bring our boy back to u.s." The
father thought: Lord help US to bear
patiently the Affections that are bring
ing our gray hairs with sorrow to the
grave"
Thanksgiving Day dawned. 1t was
dismal day. The rain poured. the wind
blew, the sodden leaves covered the
earth. the whole landscape was dreary.
.'It's pretty dismal, isn't it, motherp"
said the old man. Its good thing
we don't expect guests in this storm.
Well, 1 suppose we ought to be thank
full for shelter this weather. and food
enough to keep us from starving"
.Is that all we have. fatherp" asked
his patient wife. 1--WE have health,
and hope"-
Hope of what?' he asked, smiling
sadly. II think, my dear. you and L
shook hands with hope long ago and
bid it farewell"
"Hope of home where all these
longings and heartaches will be over.
D James, what can take that from
usP''
"You are right" he said solemnly,
land L needed the reproof We will
make this kind of sacramental day,
and wrestle with our griefs, as Jacob
did with the angel, until they bless us.
Why. there is traveller out in all this
raini He looks as if he didn't know
which way TO 60"
Call him in. James," said his wife.
I'm glad the Lord has sent some one
to eat our Thanksgiving dinner with
u.s.
The traveller obeyed the call of the
old man, and dashed into the yard.
Stranger, this is heavy storm;
come in and stop until the rain holds
up" Mr.. Forrest called out '.Put up
your horse in the stable there. We
have no servants, and can't venture
into the rain to help you"
In few minutes the traveller stood
at the threshold. A tall, well-built man,
with heavy brown beard and mus
tache which nearly covered his face.
Come in, come in," MI. Forrest
said. why. you are as wet as rat. "
Only my overcoat," he answered,
in hoarse voice. with your permits
sion, I'll stop minute in the hall and
take it off.
He was long time getting off his
coat, and when he came in Mrs. For
rest was placing an ample meal on the
table. The stranger walked to the
window and looked in.
"You have pretty place here" he
said. ''At least, it must be an attract
i've place in good weather"
Yes" answered the old man. with
sigh, 1--WE are fond of the old house
and its surroundings.
.'Do you live alone hereP"
LAS you see." he answered, shortly.
He thought the stranger too inquisi-
tive. but dinner is ready. Take
seat"
The traveller noticed that at uue
place there was a handsome china
plate, and in glass near it. bouquet
of white chrysanthemums and red ger
aniums. Naturally supposing that it
was a seat of honor appropriated to
guests, he moved towards it. Mrs.
Forrest nervously waved him back.
mot there. sir!'' she cried. ''Please
take this seat
Excuse me, madam" as he took
the indicated place. "I'm afraid you
will be disappointed in the guest you
expect, the storm is so severe. But he
ought to have tried to come. There
should be no vacant place at a Thanks
giving dinner.
at is always vacant, SIR" Mr.. For
rest said. at is notion of my wife's
to keep it for our boy, who left us fif-
teen years ago. You see, she has
always kept his plate on the yearly